MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Angels in 2019

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 27: Luis Rengifo #84 of the Los Angeles Angels throws during a Spring Training game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

3. Luis Rengifo, SS

The versatile shortstop went from utility man to potential starter after his breakout 2018 season where he batted .299 with a .851 OPS on the year while playing all over the field. Luis Rengifo is expected to play mainly at either 2B or SS but does have experience in all three outfield spots.

His ability to hit from both sides of the plate makes him an attractive hitter despite not hitting for much power, with only 25 home runs during his six seasons in the minors. He also has good speed on the basepaths, being described as a “smart baserunner” by scouting reports, which allows him to turn singles into doubles and doubles into triples.

He currently is slashing .262/.303/.410 with two home runs but with 15 strikeouts in AAA Salt Lake, spending the majority of his time at SS. If Rengifo can swing more and miss less and increase his OBP, the 22-year-old switch-hitting SS could carve out a role for himself on the Angels’ big league club.

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